Toccoa Will Not Change ABC Ordinance Regarding Sales Following Request

In response to a request from a prospective business owner, the city of Toccoa will not change its alcohol beverage control ordinances to allow for the sale of distilled spirits close to churches.

In November, Tony Martin’s request for an ABC license for the site known as the Chef’s Table Bar and Grill on Big A Road in Toccoa appeared before commissioners.

The city informed Martin that he could have a license for malt beverages and wine, but not distilled spirits, because the building is less than 100 yards from a church and city ordinances prohibit the sale of distilled spirits within 100 yards of a church.

Martin asked the commission to consider changing the ordinance and commissioners discussed the topic at a December 17 work session.

City Commissioner Terry Carter said he thinks no changes are needed at this time.

“I have had several people reach out to me and express their thoughts on it and everyone that has contacted me has been against (changing) it and feels like what we have is proper and fair and I tend to agree with them,” said Carter.